Improvements in or relating to clothing

ABSTRACT

FIG.  1  shows a garment in the form of a brassiere ( 1 ) including loosely located, generally flat, sling pieces ( 2, 3 ) attached to the side of each breast cup (or breast cup portion) ( 4,5 ) by guide pieces ( 6, 7 ). The sling pieces ( 2, 3 ) are elasticated or ‘stretchable’ and non-slip. Each sling piece ( 2, 3 ) comprises a breast support apparatus. The sling pieces ( 2, 3 ) are each similarly shaped and are integrally joined together at X in mirror image arrangement to form a double-lobed sling S loosely located relative to the breast cups ( 4, 5 ). Each guide piece ( 6, 7 ) is of a trapezium shape and of very thin, flexible and stretchable perforate (one-layer) material and is sewn into seams S 1 , S 2  on the associated wing piece W 1 , W 2  of the brassiere ( 1 ) at the outside edge of the associated cup, and into the seams of the associated sling piece ( 2, 3 ).

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to clothing and is more particularly concerned with improvements in or relating to female garments in the form of breast support structures, such as brassieres.

One of the inventors has previously proposed a breast support apparatus in a garment, such as a bikini top, that has one or two portions, designed to cover the breast/s, said apparatus comprising a strip of stretchable material loosely located (more particularly loosely located along the length with the sides remaining free of any attachment or stitching to the associated cup) in each breast cup being attached at one end at or adjacent an upper part of the associated cup and attached at an opposite end at a lower part of the associated cup, said strip being displaceable or deformable along its length relative to the associated breast cup as the breast is introduced into the cup to support the breast from underneath. This proposal is outlined in European Patent Specification No. 07006831.7, the content of pages 20-26 and FIGS. 7-11 being referred to in particular.

The present invention is concerned with breast support structures similar in at least some respects to that shown in EP No. 07006831.7.

Whilst it is believed that the arrangement shown in EP 07006831.7 is extremely successful in providing improved uplift and shaping to the breasts, pushing the breasts together for mutual support at the cleavage it is believed that a greater degree of comfort and ease of use or “user friendliness” may be possible for the wearer, in addition to providing a softer more “feminine” feel to the garment as a whole.

Additionally, it is believed that the breast support structure shown in EP0700683.17 could be improved to cater for a greater range of shapes and sizes of breasts.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide breast support apparatus which provides uplift, comfort for the wearer and shaping to the breasts and/or which is improved or advantageous in at least some respect.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a garment, such as a brassiere or bikini top, including two breast cups, each breast cup, in use, including a breast support apparatus displaceable or deformable, in use, relative to the associated cup, said apparatus comprising a sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material which is attached at one end, in use, at or adjacent an upper part of the cup or garment, e.g. above the nipple, or which is attached to a strap arranged at or adjacent an upper part of the cup or garment, in use, e.g. above the nipple, the arrangement being such that the sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material is displaceable or deformable along its length relative to the associated breast cup as the breast is introduced into the sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material, in use, to support the breast underneath and from an outside edge to partially encircle the breast, pulling the breast, in use, upwardly and inwardly towards the cleavage of the breasts (the sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material, preferably, being diagonally mounted or inclined on the associated cup, preferably extending from adjacent an upper apex of the associated cup and extending downwardly in use to a lower location on the associated cup) said sling piece, preferably, being attached at an opposite end, in use, at or adjacent a lower part of the cup or garment e.g below the nipple, or which is attached to a further strap arranged at or adjacent a lower part of the cup or garment, in use, e.g. below the nipple, characterised by said sling or piece of elasticated or stretchable material being provided with first and second non-parallel edge portions, said first edge portion being arranged to substantially follow the root of the breast, in use, and being arranged at or adjacent the junction of the breast root with the body, in use, said second edge portion being arranged to lift and support the breast, in use, partially encircling the breast above the location of the first edge portion underneath or at the region of the nipple, in use.

Said one end of the sling piece or said strap may be attached at or adjacent said upper part of the cup or garment above or substantially at the same level as the nipple.

Said opposite end of the sling piece or said further strap may be attached at or adjacent said lower part of the cup or garment below or substantially at the same level as the nipple.

The attachment of the strap (or further strap) at or adjacent an upper (or lower as the case may be for the further strap) part of the cup or garment may be direct or indirect e.g. via a ring or hoop.

The first edge portion, preferably, comprises a first substantially linear or straight edge section that, in use, follows the root or junction of the breast with the body generally downwardly, which edge section is joined to curved section that, in use, passes under the lower root portion of the breast. The second edge portion is, preferably, curved or contoured, said curvature, preferably, being greater than the curved section of said first edge portion.

The sling portion will usually be wider in a central region tapering towards end regions and may be of a generally oval (asymmetrical) elliptical shape. The sling portions may be integrally formed to create a double-lobed sling. Ends of each sling portion may or may not be attached to the breast cups depending upon design requirements.

Each sling piece may be contoured in depth or of variable thickness in order to push the breast e.g. from the side and/or underneath portion in order to enhance the overall breast shape within the garment.

Each sling piece may shape and lift the breast in different ways, depending upon the shape. Additionally, the material chosen for the sling pieces may influence the shape of the breast and may be made of different composite materials to achieve different effects. A change in material will have different effects on comfort and uplift, a soft very flexible material may be very comfortable but not may not be as supportive compared to a more rigid fabric with a fixed shape as it may give way or yield to the breast.

In one embodiment where a double-lobed sling is provided as aforesaid, the lower ends of the sling pieces are not connected to a lower part of the cup or garment and each sling piece is connected to a side part or wing of the associated cup or garment via a flexible guide piece, advantageously, allowing a greater latitude for adjustment of the sling pieces relative to the breast cups. The adjustment may be a relative lateral or turning (angular) adjustment, preferably, in addition to movement of the sling inwards or outwards away from the associated cup.

The garment may be provided with a double strap arrangement on each side of the breast cups, one strap being attached to the breast cup and another strap being attached to the associated sling piece and said straps may be connected together, preferably by adjustment means. The straps may be elasticated/adjustable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a garment, such as a brassiere or bikini top, including two breast cups, each breast cup, in use, including a breast support apparatus displaceable or deformable, in use, relative to the associated cup, said apparatus comprising a sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material which is attached at one end, in use, at or adjacent an upper part of the cup or garment, e.g. above the nipple, or which is attached to straps at or adjacent an upper part of the cup or garment, in use, e.g. above the nipple, the arrangement being such that the sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material is displaceable or deformable along its length relative to the associated breast cup as the breast is introduced into the sling piece of elasticated, or stretchable material, in use, to support the breast underneath and from an outside edge to partially encircle the breast, pulling the breast, in use, upwardly and inwardly towards the cleavage of the breasts (the sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material, preferably, being diagonally mounted or inclined on the associated cup, preferably extending from adjacent an upper apex of the associated cup and extending downwardly in use to a lower location on the associated cup), characterised by said sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material being provided with an edge portion arranged to follow substantially the root of the breast, in use, which edge portion is connected at or adjacent to a side part of the associated cup or garment by a flexible or stretchable guide piece allowing lateral or turning adjustment of the sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material relative to the associated breast cup by the user, as the breast is introduced into the breast cup.

Usually, the sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material will be formed separately to the guide piece and the guide piece will usually be of a much thinner and more flexible material than said sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material although not necessarily so.

The guide piece may be in the form of a thin strap or wider (possibly trapezium shaped) piece of material, according to design requirements but should allow a greater degree of adjustment of said sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material relative to the associated cup than if it were attached directly to the said cup. In this way, advantageously, the user has a greater degree of freedom in positioning of the sling piece of elasticated material to fit her own breast shape prior to, or while locating, the breasts into the associated breast cup. The adjustment may be a relative lateral or turning (angular) adjustment, preferably, in addition to movement of the sling inwards or outwards away from the associated cup.

Preferably, the sling piece of elasticated or flexible material is of soft, padded material for added comfort of the user although the sling piece need not be padded at all.

Usually, the sling piece of elasticated or flexible material is wider in a central part thereof and is tapered towards the ends and may conform roughly to an elongate (asymmetrical) oval or elliptical shape.

The sling piece is, preferably, provided with a second, curved edge portion arranged above the first edge portion, in use, said curvature of the second edge portion being greater than that of the first edge portion.

Further according to the present invention, there is provided a garment such as a brassiere or bikini top including two breast cups, each cup having a loosely located, displaceable or deformable sling piece diagonally mounted or inclined inside the cup, in use, said sling piece being bounded by non-parallel first and second edge portions and said sling piece tapering towards associated ends of the sling piece, the first edge portion being arranged to substantially follow the root of the breast, in use, being arranged at or adjacent the junction of the breast root with the body and the second edge portion being arranged to partially encircle the breast above the location of the first edge portion underneath or at the region of the nipple, in use, each said sling portion preferably being provided with a flexible or stretchable guide piece, preferably attached to a side part of the associated cup or garment, in order to allow lateral or turning adjustment of the sling piece relative to the associated breast cup by the wearer, as the breast is introduced into the breast cup.

Still further according to the present invention there is provided a garment, such as a brassiere or bikini top, having one or two portions to cover the breast/s, each breast cover portion being provided with a loose sling piece, and having any one of the following features:—

-   -   a) each sling piece being provided with first and second         non-parallel edge portions     -   b) each sling piece being provided with a (flexible) guide     -   c) each sling piece being wider in a central region than at the         ends thereof, preferably being of a generally oval shape     -   d) each sling piece being attached at one end, in use, at or         adjacent an upper part of the cup or garment above, or         substantially at the same level as, the nipple     -   e) each sling piece being attached to a strap, directly or         indirectly e.g. via a ring or hoop     -   f) the garment having a double strap arrangement     -   g) each sling piece being (integrally) connected to the other to         form a double-lobed sling     -   h) each sling piece being attached at one end, in use, at or         adjacent a lower part of the cup or garment below, or         substantially at the same level as, the nipple     -   i) any derivable feature from this description and/or drawings.

Many other advantages features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings.

Accordingly, embodiments of a garment in the form of a brassiere including breast support apparatus in accordance with the present invention, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 shows a flattened, inside-out, view of a first embodiment of a brassiere in accordance with the present invention including breast support apparatus in the form of a sling piece of elasticated material located in a first extreme position;

FIG. 2 shows an inside-out, flattened view of the brassiere shown in FIG. 1 with said sling piece of elasticated material being located in a second, inverted, opposite, extreme position to the position as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the brassiere of FIGS. 1 and 2 with said sling piece of elasticated material being located in a third, midway, position;

FIG. 4 shows an outside view of the brassiere shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a view of one half of the brassiere shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 being worn on the left breast of a female contrasted with a similar half of a brassiere being worn on the right breast but without said sling piece of elasticated material being provided in said similar half for the left breast;

FIG. 6 shows an inside view of a second embodiment of a brassiere having preformed cups in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows an inside view of a third embodiment of a brassiere having preformed cups in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a modified sling piece of elasticated material in accordance with the present invention worn by a female, and

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the arrangement shown in accordance with FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, a garment in the form of a brassiere 1 includes loosely located, generally flat, sling pieces 2, 3 attached to the side of each breast cup (or breast cup portion) 4,5 by guide pieces 6, 7. The sling pieces 2, 3 are elasticated or ‘stretchable’ and possibly non-slip, for example, being of cotton/polyester or of any materials (such as soft padded materials) and possibly comprising more than one layer of materials. Each sling piece 2, 3 comprises a breast support apparatus and may be padded or cushioned. Each sling piece may be of variable thickness or depth e.g contoured to give a 3-D variation to push the breast from the side and or underneath to further enhance the appearance of the breasts.

The sling pieces 2, 3 are each similarly shaped and are integrally joined together at X in mirror image arrangement to form a double-lobed sling S loosely located relative to the breast cups 4, 5 (the cups 4, 5 not being of a preformed shape in this embodiment).

Each guide piece 6, 7 is of a trapezium shape and of very thin, flexible and stretchable perforate (one-layer) material and is sewn into seams S1, S2 on the associated wing piece W1, W2 of the brassiere 1 at the outside edge of the associated cup, and into the seams of the associated sling piece 2, 3 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

The guide pieces 6,7 help the wearer when putting on the brassiere 1 to ensure that the correct portion of the associated breast is acted upon by the sling pieces 2,3. The guide pieces allow the sling pieces to move from side to side and inwards and outwards relative to the associated cup.

Each sling piece 2, 3 advantageously, is shaped, as shown, having a first edge portion e1 arranged to follow generally the root of breast, in use (see FIG. 8 in particular) and a second, non-parallel, edge portion e2 which determines the overall shape of the support system which effects the performance, in use, particularly encircling the breast (see FIGS. 8 and 9) above the location of the first edge portion e1, in use, underneath, or at, the region of the nipple (shown covered in FIGS. 8 and 9 by modesty, heart-shaped panels).

FIG. 1 shows an inside-out view of the brassiere 1 with the double-lobed sling S located in a first, extreme, position ready to be located on the breasts as the arms are introduced through the shoulder strap arrangements 10, 11, in order to wear the brassiere in a manner which should be self-evident. In the first, extreme, position as shown in FIG. 1, the guide pieces 6, 7 are fully extended to their natural flat state without being stretched under pressure.

FIG. 2 shows the double-lobed sling S having been moved downwardly and inverted relative to the position as shown in FIG. 1 so that said sling is in a second, extreme, position showing the outside of the sling S, once again without the guide pieces 6, 7 being stretched under pressure.

FIG. 3 shows a midway position of the sling S relative to the breast cups 4, 5 prior to inversion of the sling as in FIG. 2.

Thus, it should be evident that the guide pieces 6, 7 provide a very considerable relative movement of the sling S to the breast cups 4, 5 to allow a great deal of latitude for adjustment by the wearer both laterally and inwardly towards and away from the associated cup and to cater for a wide range of different sizes and shapes of breasts.

FIG. 4 shows a reverse view of the brassiere 1 shown in FIG. 3 showing the outside of the bra cups 4, 5 and part of the outside of the sling S.

Each brassiere cup 4, 5 is flexible and not of a preformed shape and is generally triangular having an apex 4 a, 5 a which would be arranged upwardly in use, said brassiere cups not being provided with any underwire or supporting cradle which may give an unnatural or uncomfortable restriction for the wearer. In this way the sling S and brassiere cups 4, 5 conform substantially to the shape of the breasts of the wearer whilst giving uplift in an advantageous manner rather than the breast being forced to fit a shape of brassiere cups which are preformed, at least to some extent, for example, by an underwire or cradle.

It is to be noted that the guide pieces 6,7 are attached at one edge along a seam S1 which is inclined at a relatively steep angle on the associated wing piece W1, W2 at the edge of the associated breast cup 4,5 in such manner as to allow lateral adjustment or turning of (angular adjustment) the associated sling piece 2, 3 relative to the cup 4, 5 as the associated breast is introduced into the cup 4, 5.

Thus, the afore-described arrangement should provide a much easier or user friendly fit of the sling pieces 2, 3 onto the associated breast as the brassiere is fitted onto the wearer.

It is to be noted in this embodiment, that the only attachment of the sling pieces 2, 3 to the brassiere 1 are via the guide pieces 6, 7 and the strap arrangements 10, 11. The strap arrangements 10, 11 are preferably elastic and adjustable. In other embodiments of the present invention, each sling piece 6,7 may be attached at one end, in use, at or adjacent an upper part of the cup, for example to said apex 4 a, 5 a and/or an opposite end of the sling piece 4, 5 may be attached at or adjacent a lower part of the cup (see a further embodiment of brassiere 100 in accordance with the present invention as shown in FIG. 6).

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the double-lobed sling S is formed in one piece and is attached at each end 2 a, 3 a to an associated strap 10 a, 11 a of the strap arrangement 10, 11. In use, the ends 2 a, 3 a will be arranged or situated on the body and underneath adjacent to the apex of the associated cup 4, 5. Thus, it will be evident that when the sling pieces 2, 3 are introduced onto the associated breast and the breast cups 4, 5 located on the breasts there will be an effective lateral or turning movement of the sling pieces 6, 7 relative to the brassiere cups such that edge portions S2, will be generally in alignment with the seams S3 and S4 on the associated bra cup 4, 5 such that the guide pieces 6, 7 span the distance between the seams S1 and S3, S4 respectively.

The shapes of the edge portions e1 and e2 are specifically engineered to accommodate the breast comfortably to give the required uplift and shaping thereto. Edge portions e2 are similarly to one another curved as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Edge portions e1 consist of a straight or linear section e1′ which is attached to the respective guide portion 6, 7 and follows the root of the breast generally downwardly, in use, aligned with the respective seam S3, S4, whilst the remaining section e1″ of edge portion e1 is appropriately curved to pass comfortably under the lower root portion of the breast. It is believed that the shape of edge portion e1 and/or edge portion e2 may be independently patentable inventive. The edge portions e1, e2 are seam stitched finished in this embodiment, though could be alternatively finished, providing own parallel edge region to the sling pieces 4, 5 and each sling piece is in the general shape of an elongate, asymmetrical oval.

Each breast cup 4, 5 is provided with a strap portion 10 b, 11 b extending from the apex 4 a, 5 a which is joined to strap 10 a, 11 a respectively via adjusting ring or buckle r1, r2 connected to adjustable loop strap 10 c, 11 c attached to the end of wing piece W1,W2 respectively as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 drawings.

Thus, brassiere 1 is effectively provided with double shoulder strap arrangements 10, 11.

Each cup 4, 5 is provided with upper lace portions L which are positioned generally as shown in the right hand part of FIG. 5 when the brassiere 1 is being worn

FIG. 5 illustrates the remarkable results that can be obtained utilising the breast apparatus 1.

FIG. 5 shows the application of one half of the brassiere 1 to the wearer's left breast. Immediately, it can be seen how the brassiere 1 can, advantageously, lift and reshape the breast compared to the wearer's right breast which is supported by one half of a similar brassiere not having a supporting sling piece 2, 3. It is to be noted in this instance, that the wearer's left breast is very much higher than the wearer's right breast.

The Applicant believes that fabric of the sling pieces 2, 3 should, advantageously, have good memory shape properties so that when flexed, the sling pieces return to their original shape in order to seemingly maximise the shape and support of the garment and to increase the life of the apparatus i.e. the number of occasions the brassiere 1 can be used.

Importantly, for best support/shaping for this particular design (a plunge bra that is designed to show a woman's cleavage), as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6-7, it is believed that the upper portion of the breast needs less force acting thereon than the lower part, so that the sling pieces 2, 3 are preferably, narrowed towards the ends (which are located, in use, towards the upper part of the breast) to provide less elastic force on the upper part of the breast than the lower part. Alternatively, or additionally, the part of the sling pieces 2, 3 located towards the upper portion of the breast could possibly be of a material having a lower elasticity than the portion of the sling piece 2, 3 supporting the lower portion of the breast, thereby, similarly providing less elastic force on the upper portion of the breast.

FIG. 6 shows an inside-out view of a second embodiment of a brassiere 100 having preformed cups 101, 102 including loosely located sling pieces 103, 104 attached to the side of each breast cup 101, 102 by guide pieces 105, 106 in a manner which should be evident from that FIGURE. Each sling piece 103, 104 is formed separately from the other and has an end attached by stitching at an upper part of the associated cup 101, 102 being the apex 101 a, 102 a arranged upwardly on the body in use. The opposite end of each sling piece 103,104 is attached diagonally opposite to the upper end at a lower portion 101 b, 102 b of the associated cup 101,102.

Advantageously, each sling piece 103, 104 is wider in the central region and tapers toward the ends in a manner to hug and support each breast. Each sling piece 103, 104 has a first edge portion 103 a, 104 a arranged to substantially follow the root of the breast, in use, and being arranged, in use, at or adjacent the junction of the breast root with the body. Each sling piece 103, 104 has a second edge portion 103 b, 104 b arranged to lift and support the breast in use, partially supporting the breast above the location of the first edge portion underneath or at the region of the nipple, in use.

Since each end of the sling piece 103, 104 is attached directly to the associated cup 101, 102, the brassiere 100 is not provided with a double strap arrangement (see strap arrangements 10, 11 in FIGS. 1-4) so that the degree of adjustment for the wearer, particularly inwards and outwards of the breast cups, may not be as great as that provided for by the first embodiment of brassiere 1. Even so, it should be evident that the guide piece 105,106 does provide a degree of lateral adjustment or turning (angular) adjustment for the wearer as the breasts are introduced into the preformed bra cups 101, 102. In this instance, the guide piece 105,106 is provided by a simple stretchable strap.

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of brassiere 200 in accordance with the present invention which is similar to brassiere 100 except that the guide pieces 205, 206 have ends 205 a, 206 a that are not attached to the brassiere 200. The ends 205 a, 206 a could remain loose so that they are accessible directly by the wearer to adjust the sling pieces 203, 204 when the brassiere is being worn or could be attached to any location on the brassiere. In another embodiment (not shown) the guide pieces 205, 206 may be omitted completely.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, each sling piece of material 103, 104; 203, 204 is attached (permanently or releasably) at one end at or adjacent an upper part of the cup, in use, and attached at an opposite end at or adjacent a lower part of the associated cup. The sling piece is displaceable along its length relative to the associated cup.

Since the sling pieces 103,104; 203,204 are fixed at a location near the top of the associated cup and at a location near the bottom of the associated cup, but not along the whole length (either into the cup or a cradle), when the top location is lifted by pulling the associated cup up via a strap, the sling pieces become taut along their lengths and because of hugging the associated breast they act immediately upon the breast, lifting it effectively. In addition, the sling pieces mould the breast shape because of acting directly on the breast, uplifting and pulling the breast inwards towards the cleavage.

Furthermore, the sling pieces work well on a wide range of breast shapes because the higher the strap is lifted the more taut the sling pieces become across their lengths, so that they act on the breast even if the breast does not lie directly next to the strap. Other proposals may have a strap that is attached such that it lies vertically and does not act directly on the breast or under the breast.

Japanese patent Specification No. JP 2002309404 shows a brassiere having a pair of curved branched straps integrated into the material of the bra at the side of the cups. The straps are integrated and sewn into position along their length into the material (already in a curved shape) of the brassiere and are not loosely located so as to be displaceable/deformable along their length and pulled to one side of the associated cup (to partially encircle the breast) as a breast is introduced into a bra cup in order to support the breast.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the double-lobed sling S being worn on the body without the remainder of the brassiere 1, in order to show how the sling S should seat on the breasts. The sling S could be worn as a separate support not attached to the remainder of brassiere in the manner as shown, with or without the remainder of brassiere 1, or other brassiere/garment.

The manner of manufacture of the sling piece/s is/are, in general, very important and may be patentably inventive. The method may be made up in various forms:—

Fabrics

The sling piece/s may be made from different materials either as single layers or as multi layers, these can be joined in different ways, such as being sewn, laminated, glued and welded together.

Shape

The shape of each sling piece may vary from being all of the same width through to a variable width tapering from one end to the other either in a symmetric or asymmetric form.

The shape of each sling piece may also be flat or concave/convex (it is believed that this is an entirely new shape) to give optimum support through methods such as seams, darts, and moulding and may comprise one or more sections of fabric.

Cutting

The sling piece/s may be cut using different methods, such as; scissors, laser, band, rotary and die, depending on the finish required. Cutting may involve heat sealing or none heated die cutting.

It is to be appreciated that, advantageously, in any of the embodiments described or other embodiments of the present invention, that the sling pieces may be releasably attachable to the associated breast up (breast cover portion) or and/or other garment part. Thus, a particular sling piece or pieces may be replaced to provide different selected support characteristics within the garment for the same person or more suitable support characteristics for a different person. Also, it is possible that a worn or damaged sling piece may be replaced.

It is possible that the garment (brassiere or bikini top) may be provided as a modular kit of parts containing a plurality of slings (comprising attached or separate sling pieces) having the same or different support characteristics.

It is possible that slings or sling piece may be sold separately for use in conjunction with a garment and may or may not be attached to the garment in use.

Therefore, further according to the present invention there is provided a method of making a garment, such as a brassiere or bikini top, having one or two portions, to cover the breast/s, said method including making a sling piece of elasticated or stretchable material and cutting/making the sling piece to shape, said sling piece having a concave and/or convex profiled edge portion, attaching said sling piece at one end, in use, at or adjacent an upper part of an associated cup or garment above, or substantially at the same level as, the nipple in use, or attaching said sling piece to a strap arranged at or adjacent an upper part of the cup or garment.

Further advantageous method features in accordance with the present invention will be apparent from the afore-going description and drawings.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a sling piece for use in any one of the statements of invention beginning on pages 2,4,6 of this specification or when made according to the method in either of the two immediately preceding paragraphs.

It is to be appreciated that the present invention offers many improvements, at least some of which might be patentable individually or in combination. Any individual feature of the garment or sling piece as aforementioned or as shown or implicit herein or combinations thereof, or functions or methods appertaining thereto, may be patentably inventive and any specific term as used herein should not be construed as unnecessarily or unduly limiting; the scope of such a term should extend to, or may be replaced or supplemented by, any equivalent or generic expression. For example the term ‘turning adjustment’ could be replaced by any suitable term such as ‘rotational adjustment’; the term ‘sling’ could be replaced by ‘strap’ or ‘strip’ or ‘flexible support’ or ‘suspension or support apparatus’; ‘nipple’ could be replaced by ‘nipple level’; ‘breast cup’ may be replaced by ‘breast cover portion’. The term ‘garment’ as used throughout the description and claims may encompass any item of wearing apparel having breast cups or covers and thus, importantly, may include a swimsuit. Additionally, any range mentioned herein for any parameter or variable shall be taken to include a disclosure of any derivable sub-range within that range or of any particular value of the variable or parameter arranged within, or at an end of, the range or sub-range. The singular may include the plural and vice versa. 

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A garment (1;100), such as a brassiere or bikini top (1;100), including two breast cups (4,5;101,102), each breast cup (4,5;101,102), in use, including a breast support apparatus (2,3;103,104) displaceable or deformable, in use, relative to the associated cup (4,5;101,102), said apparatus (2,3;103,104) comprising a sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material which is attached at one end (2 a,3 a), in use, at or adjacent an upper part (4 a,5 a) of the cup (4,5;101,102), or garment (1;100), or which is attached to a strap (10 a, 11 a) arranged at or adjacent an upper part (4 a,5 a) of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100), in use, the arrangement being such that the sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material is displaceable or deformable along its length relative to the associated breast cup (4,5;101,102) as the breast is introduced into the sling piece (2,3,103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material, in use, to support the breast underneath and from an outside edge to partially encircle the breast, pulling the breast, in use, upwardly and inwardly towards the cleavage of the breasts, wherein said sling piece (2,3; 103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material is provided with first and second non-parallel edge portions (e1,e2;103 a,104 a;103 b,104 b), said first edge portion (e1;103 a,104 a) being arranged to substantially follow the root of the breast, in use, and being arranged at or adjacent the junction of the breast root with the body, in use, said second edge portion (e2;103 b,104 b) being arranged to lift and support the breast, in use, partially encircling the breast above the location of the first edge portion (e1;103 a,104 a) underneath or at the region of the nipple, in use.
 12. A garment (1;100) as claimed in claim 11 in which said sling piece (2,3;103,104) is attached at an opposite end (X), in use, at or adjacent a lower part of the cup (4,5; 101,102) or garment (1;100) below or substantially at the level of the nipple, or which is attached to a further strap (10 b,11 b) arranged at or adjacent a lower part of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100), in use, below or substantially at the level of, the nipple.
 13. A garment (1;100) as claimed in claim 11 in which the sling piece (2,3; 103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material is diagonally mounted or inclined on the associated cup (4,5;101,102) and, preferably, in which the sling piece (2,3;103,104) extends from adjacent an upper apex (4 a,5 a;101 a,101 b) of the associated cup (4,5;101,102) and extends downwardly, in use, to a lower location (101 b,102 b) on the associated cup (4,5;101,102) and/or in which said one end (2 a,3 a) of the sling piece (2,3;103,104) or said strap (10 a,11 a) is attached at or adjacent said upper part (4 a,5 a;101 a,101 b) of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100) above or substantially at the same level as the nipple, in use, and/or in which the attachment of the strap (10 a,11 a) at or adjacent an upper part (4 a,5 a;101 a,101 b) of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100) is direct or indirect e.g. via a ring or hoop (r1,r2) and/or in which the attachment of the further strap (10 b,11 b) at or adjacent a lower part of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100) is direct or indirect e.g., via a ring or hoop (r1,r2).
 14. A garment (1;100) as claimed in claim 11 in which the first edge portion (e1) comprises a first substantially linear or straight edge section (e1′) that, in use, follows the root or junction of the breast with the body generally downwardly, which first edge section (e1′) is joined to a curved section (e1″) that, in use, passes under the lower root portion of the breast and, preferably, in which the second edge portion (e2) is curved or contoured, and, preferably, in which said curvature of the second edge portion (e2) is greater than the curved section (e1″) of said first edge portion (e1).
 15. A garment (1;100) as claimed in claim 11 in which the sling portion (2,3;103,104) is wider in a central region tapering towards end regions and, preferably, in which the sling portion (2,3;103,104) is of a generally oval or elliptical shape and, preferably, in which the sling portion (2,3;103,104) is asymmetrical and/or in which the sling portions (2,3;103,104) are integrally formed to create a double-lobed sling (S) and, preferably, in which the lower ends (X) of the sling pieces (2,3;103,104) are not connected to a lower part (101 b,102 b) of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100) and each sling piece (2,3;103,104) is connected to a side part or wing (W1, W2) of the associated cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100) via a flexible guide piece (6,7) and, preferably, in which the flexible guide piece (6,7) allows for a relative lateral or turning (angular) adjustment and/or in which the flexible guide piece (6,7) allows for movement of the sling (S) inwards or outwards away from the associated cup (4,5;101,102) and, preferably, in which ends (4 a,5 a) of each sling portion (2,3) are attached to the breast cups (4,5;101,102) and/or in which each sling piece (2,3;103,104) is contoured in depth or of variable thickness and/or in which the garment (1;100) is made of different composite materials.
 16. A garment (1;100) as claimed in claim 11 provided with a double strap (10,11) arrangement on each side of the breast cups (4,5; 101,102), one strap (10 a,11 a) being attached to the breast cup (4,5;101,102) and another strap (10 b,11 b) being attached to the associated sling piece (2,3;103,104) and, preferably, in which said straps (10 a,11 a;10 b,11 b) are connected together, and, preferably, in which the straps (10 a,11 a;10 b,11 b) are connected together by adjustment means (r1,r2) and, preferably, in which the straps (10 a,11 a;10 b,11 b) are elasticated/adjustable.
 17. A garment (1;100), such as a brassiere or bikini top (1;100), including two breast cups (4,5;101,102), each breast cup (4,5;101,102), in use, including a breast support apparatus (2,3;103,104) displaceable or deformable, in use, relative to the associated cup (4,5; 101,102), said apparatus (2,3;103,104) comprising a sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material which is attached at one end (2 a,3 a), in use, at or adjacent an upper part of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100), or which is attached to straps (10 a,11 a) at or adjacent an upper part of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100), in use, the arrangement being such that the sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material is displaceable or deformable along its length relative to the associated breast cup (4,5;101,102) as the breast is introduced into the sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated, or stretchable material, in use, to support the breast underneath and from an outside edge to partially encircle the breast, pulling the breast, in use, upwardly and inwardly towards the cleavage of the breasts, wherein said sling piece (2,3;103,104) or elasticated or stretchable material is provided with an edge portion (e1) arranged to follow substantially the root of the breast, in use, which edge portion (e1) is connected at or adjacent to a side part (W1,W2) of the associated cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100) by a flexible or stretchable guide piece (6,7) allowing lateral or turning adjustment of the sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material relative to the associated breast cup (4,5;101,102) by the user, as the breast is introduced into the breast cup (4,5;101,102).
 18. A garment (1;100) as claimed in claim 17 in which the sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material, is diagonally mounted or inclined on tin associated cup (4,5; 101,102) and, preferably, in which the sling piece (2,3;103,104) extends from adjacent an upper apex (4 a,5 a) of the associated cup (4,5;101,102) and extends downwardly in use to a lower location on the associated cup (4,5;101,102) and/or in which the sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material is formed separately to the guide piece (6,7), and, preferably, in which the guide piece (6,7) is of a thinner and more flexible material than said sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material and/or in which the guide piece (6,7) is in the form of a thin strap and/or in which the guide piece (6,7) is trapezium shaped and/or in which the guide piece (6,7) allows a relative lateral or turning (angular) adjustment of the sling (2,3) relative to the associated cup (4,5;101,102) and/or in which the guide piece (6,7) allows movement of the sling (2,3) inwards or outwards away from the associated cup (4,5:101,102), and/or in which the sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or flexible material is of soft, padded material, and/or in which the sling piece (2,3:103,104) of elasticated or flexible material is wider in a central part thereof and is tapered towards the ends and/or in which the shape of the sling piece (2,3;103,104) conforms roughly to an elongate oval or elliptical shape and/or in which the sling piece (2,3:103,104) is asymmetrical and/or in which the sling piece (2,3;103,104) is provided with a second, curved edge portion (e2) arranged above the first edge portion (e1), in use and/or in which said curvature of the second edge portion (e1) is greater than that of the first edge portion (e1).
 19. A garment (1:100) such as a brassiere or bikini top (1;100) including two breast cups (4.5;101,102), each cup (4,5;101,102) having a loosely located displaceable or deformable sling piece (2,3;103,104) diagonally mounted or inclined inside the cup (4,5;101,102), in use, said sling piece (2,3;103,104) being bounded by non-parallel first and second edge portions (e1,e2) and said sling piece (2,3:103,104) tapering, towards associated ends of the sling piece (2,3;103,104), the first edge portion (e1) being arranged to substantially follow the root of the breast, in use, being arranged at or adjacent the junction of the breast root with the body and the second edge portion (e1) being arranged to partially encircle the breast above the location of the first edge portion (e1) underneath or at the region of the nipple, in use and, preferably, in which each said sling portion (2,3) is provided with a flexible or stretchable guide piece (6,7) and, preferably, in which the guide piece (6,7) is attached to a side part (W1,W2) of the associated cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100), in order to allow lateral or turning adjustment of the sling piece (2,3;103,104) relative to the associated breast cup (4,5;101,102) by the wearer, as the breast is introduced into the breast cup (4,5;101,102).
 20. A method of making a garment (1;100), such as a brassiere or bikini top (1;100), having one or two portions (4,5), to cover the breast/s, said method including making a sling piece (2,3;103,104) of elasticated or stretchable material and cutting/making the sling piece (2,3;103,104) to shape, said sling piece (2,3;103,104) having a concave and/or convex profiled edge portion (e1,e2), attaching said sling piece (2,3;103,104) at one end, in use, at or adjacent an upper part of an associated cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100) above or substantially at the level of the nipple in use, or attaching said sling piece (2,3:103,104) to a strap (10 a,11 a) arranged at or adjacent an upper part of the cup (4,5;101,102) or garment (1;100) or a sling piece (2,3;103,104) for use in a garment (1;100) as claimed in claim
 1. 